The Andrews Labor Government is updating Victoria’s adoption laws, with a review of the 30 year-old Adoption Act to be undertaken by the Victorian Law Reform Commission.
The Commission has been asked to provide advice to the Labor Government on the modernisation of the Adoption Act 1984. The review will consider how best to ensure adoption laws:
- promote the best interests of children, their rights and their ongoing needs
- align with other key pieces of Victorian legislation
- better reflect a contemporary understanding of family and community.
Delivering on an election commitment, this is the latest step in the Labor Government’s commitment to ensure Victoria’s adoption laws meet the needs and values of the community.
It follows other changes including the repeal of contact statements and legislation to permit adoption by same-sex couples, both passed by the Victorian Parliament this year.
Victorians and organisations with an interest in adoption will be invited to make submissions to the Commission. The Terms of Reference and details about the timing and process for public submissions will be available on the Commission’s website:
The Commission has been asked to complete the review by February 2017.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“This review builds on our repeal of contact statements and allowing same-sex adoption by looking at other issues like integrated birth certificates and the use of contemporary language.”
“Bringing our adoption laws into the 21st century will ensure adoption processes and practices are clearer for all parties.”
Reviewed 10 February 2021